Many drivers in the UK focus on servicing and maintenance to pass their MOT, but driving habits play a significant role in vehicle health. Poor driving practices can accelerate wear and tear, leading to higher chances of MOT failures. Understanding the connection between how you drive and your vehicle’s MOT performance can save you money, improve safety, and help maintain your car’s value.

At Check MOT, we provide insights on MOT results and vehicle history to help UK drivers understand how to keep their cars roadworthy.

How Driving Habits Affect Vehicle Components

1. Aggressive Acceleration and Braking
2. Rapid starts and hard braking place extra stress on brakes, tyres, and suspension. Brake pads wear faster, tyres degrade unevenly, and suspension components may suffer damage, all of which can lead to MOT failures.
3. Frequent Short Trips
4. Short journeys prevent the engine and exhaust system from reaching optimal operating temperatures. This can cause increased wear, higher condensation in the exhaust, and potential issues with emissions, which may result in an MOT fail.
5. Overloading the Vehicle
6. Carrying excessive weight affects brakes, suspension, and steering. MOT testers may flag worn components or reduced braking efficiency, increasing the likelihood of failure.
7. Ignoring Warning Signs
8. Dashboard warnings or unusual noises should never be ignored. Persistent issues, even minor ones, can escalate and cause your vehicle to fail critical MOT checks.

Common Driving Habits That Contribute to MOT Failures

• Skipping regular servicing and oil changes
• Driving over potholes or rough roads at high speeds
• Riding the clutch in manual vehicles
• Poor gear changes causing engine strain
• Using the wrong fuel type or low-quality fuel

These habits may not cause immediate failure but accumulate damage over time, impacting braking, steering, suspension, lighting, and emissions – all key areas of an MOT inspection.

Tips to Reduce MOT Risk Through Better Driving

1. Adopt Smooth Driving Techniques
2. Accelerate gently, brake gradually, and avoid unnecessary harsh manoeuvres.
3. Plan Longer Journeys Occasionally
4. This helps the engine and exhaust system reach ideal temperatures, reducing condensation and wear.
5. Maintain Appropriate Loads
6. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended vehicle load limits.
7. Respond to Vehicle Alerts
8. Fix any warning lights, noises, or vibrations promptly to avoid further damage.
9. Regular Servicing and Tyre Checks
10. Even the best driving habits cannot fully replace scheduled maintenance. Keep tyres, brakes, and suspension in check.

Conclusion

Your driving style can significantly influence the health of your vehicle and its likelihood of passing the MOT. Aggressive driving, neglecting small issues, and overloading the car all contribute to faster component wear and higher chances of MOT failures. By adopting smooth, attentive driving practices and combining them with proper maintenance, you can improve safety, extend the life of your vehicle, and reduce the risk of MOT failures.

For checking your vehicle’s MOT history, upcoming tests, and detailed insights, visit Check MOT to stay informed and prepared.

FAQs

1. Can driving fast cause an MOT failure?

Yes. Frequent high-speed driving increases wear on brakes, tyres, and suspension, which may result in MOT advisories or failures.

2. Does short-distance driving affect emissions?

Yes. Short trips can prevent the engine from fully warming up, leading to higher condensation and potential emissions failures.

3. Can overloading a car lead to MOT issues?

Yes. Overloaded vehicles strain brakes and suspension, both of which are inspected during MOTs.

4. How often should I check my car before an MOT?

It’s recommended to inspect tyres, lights, fluid levels, and brakes at least once a month and before any MOT test.

5. Will smoother driving completely prevent MOT failures?

While it helps reduce wear, regular servicing and maintenance are still essential to ensure your car passes all MOT checks.